Inspiration Archives | Page 88 of 95

Daily Dose of Design–Your Decorating Theme

April 14, 2011

The foundation of every room should start with a theme.

The theme could be based on a color, a pattern, a motif or a style.

Whatever theme you choose to design around, all the elements within the room should tie back to that theme in some way.

Here are a few rooms where the theme influenced the style, and the style showcases the theme.

The theme of this room appears to have taken its cue from the bold raspberry color used on the walls. The fabrics and accessories incorporate the color, in its many variations, giving the room its character.

This gorgeous space, designed by Tobi Fairley, plays off the incredible nature that lies just outside the windows. The personality of the room comes from the pattern mixing and combination of rough (furniture and flooring) and smooth (lamp and textiles) textures.

The shades of blue used in this space set the tone. Using dark, medium and light variations of a single color is a great way to add sophisticated depth to a room.

Sometimes the theme itself says it all. The tree theme used in this room infuses every surface…the bed, the walls, the bedding, the flooring!

Any room design in black and white captures my heart. This beautiful space design by Tobi Fairley is so classic and stylish. I love how the black and white theme shows up in different ways, creating the interest:

* Bold black and white hand painted chest

*Oversized floral wallpaper

* Simple striped lamp base

* Black book spines

Your accessory groupings can also have a theme to them. Here, Tobi Fairley wrapped this collection of books in orange paper to unify the grouping.

Kids rooms are a great place to decorate with a theme.

And two more rooms with incredible theme statements from Tobi Fairley.

Color sets the theme for the foyer space above, and opulence and elegance define the space below.

I love the subtle variations from cream to gold that make this space so luxurious!

As you start the design process for any space in your home, pull together those elements that inspire you and use them as the foundation of your theme.

images via: 1) allthingslovely.blogspot 2) Tobi Fairley 3) ahrdecor 4) etsymay.blogspot 5) and 6) Tobi Fairley 7) mariemarche.blogspot 8) and 9) Tobi Fairley

Fashion Formula: Floral Prints

April 6, 2011

Does Fashion lead home decor or does Home Decor lead fashion? Whatever the case, both worlds are enormously affected and influenced by the other.

If you’ve been in the stores lately, you’re seeing a slew of floral prints…typical for spring, but there seems to be a stronger statement this season

Florals can be found on dresses, blouses, footwear, accessories, & on pillows, chairs, bedding and tabletop items.

They’re pretty, they’re feminine, they’re fashionable and they’re fabulous!

Group one photos: Dolce and Gabana Dress via Instyle.com, Coastal Living, Shoes via Zappos

Group two photos: Pottery Barn Teen chandelier, Christian Dior Dress via Instyle.com, Necklace via DivineRose–Etsy, Southern Living

Group three photos: Ring via Zaisy–Etsy, Stripe chair photo–unknown, XOXO Dress via Instyle.com, Tote via Ikatbags–Etsy, Flowers via Carolyn Roehm

Group four photos: Floral Chair photos–Lily Pulitzer via Tumblr, Hair Pins via RiRiFisch–Etsy, Floral Pillows via RubyStella–Etsy

Group five photos: Shoes via Zappos, Wristlet via Noonew–Etsy, Ottoman photo via seasonforallathome

Stylish Coffee Table Decor

April 4, 2011

via Tobi Fairley

As one of the most used surfaces in your home, the coffee table is definitely a split-personality pieces of furniture. Coffee tables need to be a functional work surface, a decorative display surface and often act as additional seating, among many other things.

via Casasugar

Decorating the coffee table is one of the most common challenges I see clients facing. They are challenged by what to put on the coffee table, what scale of items to use, how to combine multiple pieces together, and how much stuff, is too much stuff.

Via Elle Decor

Accessorizing is one of the things I love most about decorating, and styling a coffee table is at the top of my list. Here are a few tips and tricks I use when decorating coffee tables:

via southerninspirations

Determine what Function your Coffee Table needs To Serve. Is the table used by the kids to do homework, is it used as a foot rest or do you use your coffee table for causal meals in front of the tv? Evaluating how your coffee table is used will help in selecting not only the type to table you need, but the type of accessories that will work best for you.

via decorpad

Accessorize with Scale in Mind. I always use several items in different sizes and scale when decorating coffee tables. You want to avoid having all the items on your table surface to be the same height or visual weight. Combining items with different heights, width and mass will give your table more style and interest.

via country living

Mix I Up. When selecting items to decorate your coffee table, mix materials, finishes, and textures to give your display more interest. I love combining a natural material like wood or woven rattan with something metallic and smooth. Or a ceramic piece with a rustic stone or iron piece. Coffee tables are also a great spot to mix style…combine an ethnic piece with modern accessories.

via velvet and linen

via Elle Decor, photo by Ken Hayden

Don’t Cover Every Inch of Surface. In most cases, leaving a bit of “breathing room” on the surface of your coffeee table will make the display feel real and natural. Plus, you’ll have room to place functional items like remotes, drinkware or magazines.

via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, photo by Erica Geroges Dine

Select a Focal Item. This is where scale really comes into play. You want one of the elements on your coffee table to be dominate. Maybe it’s an oversized vase or a larger decorative box….whatever the item, you want there to be a place for the eye to land when it takes in the coffee table decor.

via House Beautiful, photo by Julian Wass

Use Coffee Table Books. Books are one of the most versatile decorative elements to dress your coffee table with. Not only do books add depth and dimension, but the surface can be used as display space for a smaller decorative item, giving them more impact and presence.

via House Beautiful, photo by Jose Picayo

via Elle Decor, photo by Simon Upton

Add Ambience with Candles. I love incorporating a candle into my coffee table decor. Whether you go with a glass hurricane or a smaller candle container, candles give your table decor a sense of comfort.

via Barclay Butera

And lastly,

Use Trays for Function and Style. Trays of all types are the perfect layering element for coffee table decor. Place your decorative elements atop a tray and you can easily remove it when the entire table surface space is needed. And, it your coffee table happens to be a fabric covered ottoman, or even an old army cot like the photo below, trays provide the hard surface you need to make the coffee table function well.

via martha stewart

via Lonny Magazine

via Pottery Barn

If you need a bit more inspiration, take a look at this lovely photos.

via Elle Decor, photo by William Waldron

via House Beautiful

via House Beautiful, photo by Eric Pissecki

via House Beautiful, photo by Jeremy Samuelson

via House Beautiful, photo by Ngoo Minh Ngo

via House Beautiful, phot by John M Hall

via House Beautiful, photo by Jose Picayo

Tobi Fairley, via apartmenttherapy

Ralph Lauren, via decorpad

viafavoriteandmybest

Stripes Make Me Happy!

March 30, 2011

Have you noticed that stripes are everywhere?

From Spring fashions….

these knit wrapped trees in Houston, Texas. Aren’t these just incredible! Check out the mission behind this trees, here.

And of course, stripes are one of the most stylish ways to add punch to your decor. Here are a few of my favorite stripe infused spaces.

I love the mix of different stripe widths in this room. So modern and fresh!

These chair covers are adorable.

The combination of vertical and horizontal stripes give this area lots of visual interest. A great technique for a large accent wall!

I wonder what’s behind the pink door?

This chair looks like it would be great for a springtime nap!

Cheerful accessories bring so much life to a room.

Classic!

If you need to infuse a bit of energy into your home, consider stripes!

Cheers!

Party Inspiration…In Black and White

March 29, 2011

While most of my design work focuses on private homes and an occasional office/business project, I really enjoy decorating for special occasions. Party planning is one of my favorite things and I love developing party concepts that are unique and different.

Here’s my take on a Black and White Soiree!

The first step in party planning for me, is always to create a theme for the event. The theme of the party sets the tone and serves as the launching pad for all the other party elements….Location, Decor, Invitations, Food, Signature Cocktail, Party Favors, Music and even the attire.

If your event is planned for outside, think about incorporating a tent into the decor. Not only does a tent add visual impact, but it will give your party atmosphere a bit of intimacy and ambiance.

When selecting invitations, go for something dramatic. There are lots of great online resources for beautiful printed invitations, with one of my favorites being the handmade invitations from Etsy’s Ink Obsession Designs. Simple, classic and elegant!

And, for those occasions that call for an email invitation, I turn to Paperless Post. This online emporium of invitations, stationery and cards has an incredible offering of designs and styles to fit any occasion. Paperless Post recognizes the beauty of handwritten or printed invitations, but offers a modern alternative that embodies that same elegance. In their words…

“At Paperless Post, we seek to redefine the tradition of paper stationery so that people can send custom, personalized invitations and announcements with the same thought and care as previous generations, but the way we communicate today: online.”

When it comes to tabletop decor, keep it simple and elegant. Plain china will work with any theme and allows patterned table lines and napkins to be showcased.

Here are a couple other tips that will elevate the style of your table decor:

Layer your place settings to give your table depth. I typically start with a charger plate and layer my other dinnerware on top. And don’t forget that a tablecloth is considered a layer itself.
Incorporate a variety of textures into the mix: textured linens, smooth china, beaded napkin rings, flowers. All these elements create dimension.

Once the foundation of your table decor is set, add in a few unexpected items for a bit of personality.

Festive party hats, made by hand, can become elements of your centerpiece, and solid black urns and vases can hold condiments or candies.

And don’t forget a custom dessert treat to fit your theme!

Often times what really makes a party come to life are the little details and special elements.

Custom cocktails are the in thing. For a black and white themed party, I’d go with a Mudslide Martini. Here’s a great recipe.

Rather than traditional placecards, decorate each chair in a personal way. Check out the fabulous handmade chair covers from Divine Chair Design.(below), and the cute chair cone in the photo above.

And, if you really want to get mileage out of your party theme, ask your guest to dress in colors that work with your theme. This is a great way to get everyone emotionally connected to the party, while keeping the party theme solid as a rock.

The next time you plan a party, start by creating a theme that will make your party come to life.

Thanks to all my blog followers. I love sharing my thoughts, ideas and ramblings with all of you. I hope your inspired!

Stay tuned for more great party planning themes and tips coming your way!

Bits of Inspiration: Inspired by St. Patrick’s Day

March 14, 2011

As an early salute to St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d share with you some beautiful images showcasing the color green, and a few facts about the color you may not know.

FyreflyHollow–Etsy

Amanda Nisbet

Tobi Fairley

Chloe & Maddie–Etsy

Traditional Home

Rioa Clementi Hale Studios

DH Collection

Tobi Fairley

Beautiful Disaster–Etsy

James Howard

Real Simple

Traditional Home

House Beautiful

Louis Vuitton Designer Handbags & Shoes

Stemik Living via digsdigs

My Home Ideas

Wedding Ring Pillow by Woomi–Etsy

The color green….

*Is the color of Safety worldwide

* The human eye is most sensitive to the color green and is able to see the most shades of this color

* Is a symbol of fertility (thus the Green M & M)

* Is known to be relaxing, mentally and physically

* Provides a sense of renewal

No matter how you look at it, green is a beautiful color~

Hot Commodity…Chevron Prints

March 1, 2011

Long before the Nate Berkus show I loved the look of Chevron Prints. Now that I watch Nate daily (via dvr), I’ve developed a mad obsession with the pattern.

There is something so refreshingly modern and hip about chevron prints, yet I can easily envision them incorporated into a more traditional room environment.

The Dhurrie Rug that adorns Nate’s TV set is was part of his custom product line for HSN. Unfortunately the rug sold out, and is no longer available.

But, I did surface up a great option available for purchase from West Elm.

If you need a little more inspiration, before jumping on the Chevron Print band-wagon, check out these inspiring images!

via belle maison 23

I love the visual movement a chevron print adds to a space. This pattern is great to use in a small room, keeping the eye moving and making the space feel larger.

via chic little house

via belle maison 23

As an accent rug, chevron prints are a wonderful alternative to an all over pattern.

via alicia b designs

Chevron or zig zag prints as they are also known, are wonderful on furniture and accessories.

via fashionable interiors

via Etsy–plumcushion

via casa sugar

the love list via designophile

via grace hilt on design

via houzz

via interiorly

via nest dallas

via jacquie severs

via notable inspiration

Windsor Smith chair via bella by Karah

This chair is so adorable. I love the mix of chevron print and that stylish geo pattern.

Tori Burch’s dressing room via belle maison 23

via decorpad

A great application for subway tile.

via pepper design

via riley sittema

If you’re the crafty type and want to save a bit of money on a chevron print rug, here’s a great tutorial by Carissa who writes the lovely blog, The Fabulous Design File. Check it out here.

I feel a Chevron Print in my future. Maybe a decorative tray?

Are you loving Chevron prints as much as me?

Design Crush: WINDSOR SMITH

February 28, 2011

There are so many wonderful designers in the world today, it’s often hard to create a list of my favorites, without the list being a mile long.

If I was to cull my list down to my top 50 all-time favorite designers, the fabulous Windsor Smith would definitely make the cut!

Established as a UK designer, now living in LA, Windsor’s design esthetic certainly reflects the glamorous side of hollywood, while at the same time being classic, approachable and so very understandable.

Here’s a look at one of my favorite designers…Enjoy!

Windsor’s Take on Design:

“I like to create libraries where men with names like Howard, Bing and Spencer sat in cashmere sweaters and contemplated the 13th hole on the Bel Air golf course. I am drawn to a simple but elegant time when the women were so legendary that surnames weren’t necessary…. Slim, Babe, Coco…”,

Windsor’s Custom Furniture: